One year later John Skelton still won't tell police more about the missing boys' fates.
Authorities have found no trace of Tanner, Alexander and Andrew – who ranged in ages from 5 to 9 – and their father's no-contest plea to false imprisonment has gotten investigators no closer to answers.
"Certainly there's frustration," Morenci, Mich., Police Chief Larry Weeks tells PEOPLE. "We have three boys out there that are missing, and he doesn't seem willing to provide us with factual information about where they're located."
After the boys' disappearance, police identified Skelton as a key suspect and determined that he likely got rid of the boys on the morning after Thanksgiving in 2010.
"We know he left his home 4:29 a.m. the morning after Thanksgiving and returned at 6:46," Weeks says. "It's during that time that we believe that he disposed of them in some fashion."
Skelton has provided various accounts of what he did with the boys.
He said he gave them to a pastor's wife named Joann Taylor, because he was going to commit suicide. Then he said he gave them to an unnamed underground organization to protect them from abuse by their mother, Tanya Zuvers.
Cleared by authorities of any wrongdoing. Zuvers told a PEOPLE Magazine interviewer that she doesn't understand her former husband's unusual behavior.
Skelton has never been tried for harming the boys. Over the summer, he pleaded no contest to three unlawful imprisonment charges and has been sentenced to 10-15 years.
Skelton maintains that he's unable to contact the organization that he claims took the boys and he doesn't know where they're being kept.
"He says that they're alive and they'll be back when they're old enough, when there won't be a … danger of abuse by their mother," says his attorney John Glaser. The lawyer declined to comment as to whether he believes his client.
Investigators, however, are skeptical that the boys are alive after finding a noose in Skelton's house and a search for "neck breaking" on his computer.
Their unsolved disappearance has been traumatic for the whole community of Morenci, which is at the southern edge of Michigan, about 40 miles west of Toledo, Ohio.
Hundreds of people gathered Nov. 27 at the Morenci High School gym to remember the boys and to remind the country that there is a $60,000 reward for information leading to their recovery or return. http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20550704,00.html?xid=rss-fullcontent
www.people.com/
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
Atlanta hosts Herman Cain Campaign for White House -- no longer passable
from AJC (Atlanta Journal Constitution) online breaking news (Sat. 12/3/2011 - 1 p.m. Eastern Time):
Former Godfather's Pizza CEO Herman Cain said the onslaught of accusations of sexual harassment and marital infidelity has caused too much of a strain on his marriage and that after discussing it with his wife, Gloria, they agreed it was time to focus on their family.
“As of today, with a lot off prayer and soul searching, I am suspending my presidential campaign," Cain said, his wife standing behind him, "because of the continued distraction, the continued hurt caused on me and my family, not because we’re not fighters. But Cain said he "will not be silenced and I'm not going away." Cain said he's on to "Plan B," which revolves around a website where he will continue to push for solutions to the country's problems.
Cain said he was inspired to run because "politicians in Washington" had failed the country. "The mess has just gotten bigger," he said. "You were frustrated; I was frustrated. It was out of that frustration I made the decision to run."
A crowd of more than 300 supporters had gathered early on a brisk autumn morning in the parking lot of what was to be Cain's new Atlanta headquarters. For hours before Cain arrived, they milled about, waving signs, eating barbecue and expressing hope that Cain would stay in the race.
But, to the surprise of few in the political world, Cain said his campaign is over.
After a meteoric rise in the polls following a surprise win in a Florida straw poll in late September, Cain enjoyed a month of front-runner status in the race for the GOP nomination.
Payroll Tax "Rebate" that would have expired will be renewed -- Republican Congressman UPTON
from Kalamazoo Gazette coverage / M-Live.com -- Michigan Live website:
Congressman Fred Upton (MI - 6th District) said Congress will agree on extending the payroll tax cut, which are set to expire in January. "My sense is - and it’s still a working project, as we talk now," Upton declared on a syndicated Michigan Politics show (TV). "The keys, particularly from the Republican side, are that these have to be paid for."
The tax allows employees to pay 4.2 percent of their first $106,800 in wages into Social Security, instead of the normal 6.2. The one-year payroll tax was set to expire in January 2012. There has been some debate among GOP legislators to how to extend the tax cut, as well as if it has had any economic stimulus, according to THE HILL (Congressional web watch group). The amount of money not paid to Social Security by the tax would be made up by general Treasury funds.
"On Thursday, the majority of Republican senators voted against a GOP proposal to extend the tax cut for another year, which would have primarily been offset with savings wrung from the federal workforce," The Hill article reads. Democrats have put forward a plan that would lower the tax to 3.1 percent — down from the current 4.2 percent. During the interview, host Al Hunt asked Upton if approving the tax cut would be considered a political loss for Republicans.
Upton said it isn't. "No. I mean, from - again, from our perspective, they have to be paid for," Upton said during the interview. "This is a tax cut that expires that hurts working Americans, you know, pretty sizable amount, $1,000, $2,000 bucks, depending on how much people earn."
Congressman Fred Upton (MI - 6th District) said Congress will agree on extending the payroll tax cut, which are set to expire in January. "My sense is - and it’s still a working project, as we talk now," Upton declared on a syndicated Michigan Politics show (TV). "The keys, particularly from the Republican side, are that these have to be paid for."
The tax allows employees to pay 4.2 percent of their first $106,800 in wages into Social Security, instead of the normal 6.2. The one-year payroll tax was set to expire in January 2012. There has been some debate among GOP legislators to how to extend the tax cut, as well as if it has had any economic stimulus, according to THE HILL (Congressional web watch group). The amount of money not paid to Social Security by the tax would be made up by general Treasury funds.
"On Thursday, the majority of Republican senators voted against a GOP proposal to extend the tax cut for another year, which would have primarily been offset with savings wrung from the federal workforce," The Hill article reads. Democrats have put forward a plan that would lower the tax to 3.1 percent — down from the current 4.2 percent. During the interview, host Al Hunt asked Upton if approving the tax cut would be considered a political loss for Republicans.
Upton said it isn't. "No. I mean, from - again, from our perspective, they have to be paid for," Upton said during the interview. "This is a tax cut that expires that hurts working Americans, you know, pretty sizable amount, $1,000, $2,000 bucks, depending on how much people earn."
Iraq Military "Camp Victory" (Saddam's Palace) turned over in Iraq War's Conclusion (Dec. 2, 2011)
from Politico online article - summary (www.politico.com/ )
Camp Victory, a huge military base which once served as the headquarters for all U.S. military operations in Iraq, was handed over to Iraqi control on Friday (Dec. 2, 2011).
“The base is no longer under U.S. control and is under the full authority of the government of Iraq,” said U.S. military spokesman Col. Barry Johnson, according to the Associated Press.
At its height the base was home to as many as 40,000 troops and 30,000 contractors, reports ABC News. The base was centered on Saddam Hussein’s Al-Faw Palace, and ironically the former dictator was held at one of the palace’s villas for three years while awaiting his trial and eventual execution.
The handover to the Iraqi government was done as part of American efforts to withdraw U.S. troops by the end of the month. In the past month, 20,000 troops have left Iraq; another 13,000 U.S. forces still remain.
While there was no formal handover ceremony, Vice President Joe Biden spoke at an event on the base Thursday, and remarked that American sacrifice had allowed the United States to “win the war.” “Because of you and the work those of you here have done, we are now able to end this war,” Biden told assembled U.S. troops, Iraqi forces and security contractors.
The event Biden spoke at, which also featured Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, began with the playing of both American and Iraqi national anthems, but concluded with only the playing of the latter.
Camp Victory, a huge military base which once served as the headquarters for all U.S. military operations in Iraq, was handed over to Iraqi control on Friday (Dec. 2, 2011).
“The base is no longer under U.S. control and is under the full authority of the government of Iraq,” said U.S. military spokesman Col. Barry Johnson, according to the Associated Press.
At its height the base was home to as many as 40,000 troops and 30,000 contractors, reports ABC News. The base was centered on Saddam Hussein’s Al-Faw Palace, and ironically the former dictator was held at one of the palace’s villas for three years while awaiting his trial and eventual execution.
The handover to the Iraqi government was done as part of American efforts to withdraw U.S. troops by the end of the month. In the past month, 20,000 troops have left Iraq; another 13,000 U.S. forces still remain.
While there was no formal handover ceremony, Vice President Joe Biden spoke at an event on the base Thursday, and remarked that American sacrifice had allowed the United States to “win the war.” “Because of you and the work those of you here have done, we are now able to end this war,” Biden told assembled U.S. troops, Iraqi forces and security contractors.
The event Biden spoke at, which also featured Iraqi President Jalal Talabani and Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, began with the playing of both American and Iraqi national anthems, but concluded with only the playing of the latter.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Lighting of the National Christmas Tree (Dec. 1, 2011) -- 89th Anniversary
For the first time in 33 years, the Colorado blue spruce illuminating President’s Park has been replaced, according to National Park Service spokesman Bill Line. The old evergreen was toppled by 60-mph winds in February, Line said. Planted in the Jimmy Carter administration, it had grown to 42 feet.
The new tree has roots from a nursery in northwest New Jersey. It was planted in the Ellipse in March and measures 26.5 feet. It’s joined by 56 smaller trees, each representing a state, a U.S. territory or the District.
As the sun dipped into Thursday’s sky, hundreds of guests entered the park for the lighting celebration, fusing traditions old and new.
The event marked the 89th National Christmas Tree lighting, a presidential rite of passage that started with Calvin Coolidge.
The act took on a more emotional resonance in 1941, when it took place a few days after Pearl Harbor. At Thursday’s event, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told the audience that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the tradition to help the country feel good during some of its darkest days, “as a reminder that we set our faith in human love and God’s care for us.”
The event has become a televised holiday spectacle. Guests try to get tickets through a lottery process on the Web. This year, Carson Daly hosted. Pop acts, such as OneRepublic and Big Time Rush, performed. First lady Michelle Obama made witty banter with a felt-covered amphibian.
“Call me Michelle,” the first lady said after Kermit the Frog called her “First Lady.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Kermit responded. “I have to call Miss Piggy ‘Your Majesty.’ ”
Santa Claus stopped by, but he said he was too busy to do media interviews.
Lisa Walker, 51 , grew up in the District. This year was only the second time she had tried to obtain tickets for the Christmas tree lighting, and she was thrilled that she was successful.
“I came for the chance to get to see the president,” Walker said, “and just to be entertained. I’ve always wanted to see the lights up close.”
The tree runs on about 2,000 watts of electricity, thanks to energy-efficient lights. At its peak is a four-pointed star, the same topper that’s been used for the past six years. Cascading to its base are 160 ornaments in the shape of six-pointed star bursts, strung alongside 65 sets of lights that glow through the night.
part of WASHINGTONPOST dot-com coverage (story by Robert Samuels)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obama-lights-national-christmas-tree-near-white-house/2011/12/01/gIQAhaAYIO_story.html?hpid=z4
The new tree has roots from a nursery in northwest New Jersey. It was planted in the Ellipse in March and measures 26.5 feet. It’s joined by 56 smaller trees, each representing a state, a U.S. territory or the District.
As the sun dipped into Thursday’s sky, hundreds of guests entered the park for the lighting celebration, fusing traditions old and new.
The event marked the 89th National Christmas Tree lighting, a presidential rite of passage that started with Calvin Coolidge.
The act took on a more emotional resonance in 1941, when it took place a few days after Pearl Harbor. At Thursday’s event, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar told the audience that President Franklin Delano Roosevelt used the tradition to help the country feel good during some of its darkest days, “as a reminder that we set our faith in human love and God’s care for us.”
The event has become a televised holiday spectacle. Guests try to get tickets through a lottery process on the Web. This year, Carson Daly hosted. Pop acts, such as OneRepublic and Big Time Rush, performed. First lady Michelle Obama made witty banter with a felt-covered amphibian.
“Call me Michelle,” the first lady said after Kermit the Frog called her “First Lady.”
“That’s very nice of you,” Kermit responded. “I have to call Miss Piggy ‘Your Majesty.’ ”
Santa Claus stopped by, but he said he was too busy to do media interviews.
Lisa Walker, 51 , grew up in the District. This year was only the second time she had tried to obtain tickets for the Christmas tree lighting, and she was thrilled that she was successful.
“I came for the chance to get to see the president,” Walker said, “and just to be entertained. I’ve always wanted to see the lights up close.”
The tree runs on about 2,000 watts of electricity, thanks to energy-efficient lights. At its peak is a four-pointed star, the same topper that’s been used for the past six years. Cascading to its base are 160 ornaments in the shape of six-pointed star bursts, strung alongside 65 sets of lights that glow through the night.
part of WASHINGTONPOST dot-com coverage (story by Robert Samuels)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/obama-lights-national-christmas-tree-near-white-house/2011/12/01/gIQAhaAYIO_story.html?hpid=z4
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Mexico -- December 12
from RELIGION & ETHICS Newsweekly (PBS program, Lilly Foundation funding):
In December of 1531, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin saw visions of the Virgin Mary on the hill of Tepeyak near Mexico City. On December 12, Mary instructed him to ask church officials to build a basilica in her honor in Mexico City. When Juan Diego asked for a sign, she placed roses in a blanket that he carried with him on his journey to the city. Upon arrival, he unrolled the blanket to find an image of Mary imprinted on the cloth. The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe was built in her honor, and thousands of Catholics make pilgrimages there every year. This day is celebrated with festivals, dances and special masses.
December 12
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Catholic Christianity)In December of 1531, Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin saw visions of the Virgin Mary on the hill of Tepeyak near Mexico City. On December 12, Mary instructed him to ask church officials to build a basilica in her honor in Mexico City. When Juan Diego asked for a sign, she placed roses in a blanket that he carried with him on his journey to the city. Upon arrival, he unrolled the blanket to find an image of Mary imprinted on the cloth. The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe was built in her honor, and thousands of Catholics make pilgrimages there every year. This day is celebrated with festivals, dances and special masses.
Washington, DC WORLD AIDS RALLY -- Dec. 1 (Politico details)
WORLD AIDS DAY: Today, President Obama delivers remarks at a World AIDS Day event hosted by the ONE Campaign and (RED) here in Washington D.C. Former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton will also speak via satellite.
www.politico.com/
www.politico.com/
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